1964 Jefferson Nickel: Many people keep old coins in jars, wallets, or drawers without knowing their real value. The 1964 Jefferson Nickel is one such coin that looks ordinary but can be worth a surprising amount of money today.
Even though millions were made that year, some special versions of this coin have become extremely valuable among collectors.
In this article, we explain why some 1964 nickels are worth big money, what features collectors look for, and how you can check if your own nickel is valuable.
History of the 1964 Jefferson Nickel
1964 Jefferson Nickel: The Jefferson Nickel design has been part of American money since 1938. But in 1964, the U.S. Mint produced millions of nickels because the country was facing a coin shortage.
These high production numbers made people believe the 1964 nickel is very common. However, certain rare pieces from that year have special features that make them worth far more than their face value today.
Why Some 1964 Nickels Have High Value
Not every nickel from 1964 is valuable. Only special ones with unique qualities can sell for a high price. Here are the main reasons why some 1964 Jefferson Nickels are suddenly worth big money:
1. Full Steps Nickels
Collectors love coins that show clear, sharp steps on Monticello, the building on the back of the nickel. When the steps are fully visible and not worn out, the coin is called a “Full Steps” nickel.
These are extremely rare for 1964, which makes them very valuable. A single Full Steps nickel can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
2. Proof Coins
The U.S. Mint also created a small number of proof nickels in 1964. These proof coins were made for collectors and have a shiny, mirror-like finish.
Because they were not used in regular everyday transactions, many proof nickels remain in excellent condition. This makes them worth a lot more than regular 1964 nickels.
3. High Grade Coins
Coins that look almost brand new, with no scratches, marks, or fading, are called high-grade coins. These coins are judged by professional grading companies, and the highest grades can make a 1964 nickel worth a lot of money.
A high-grade 1964 nickel in Mint State 67 or 68 can easily be worth thousands of dollars.
4. Rare Mint Errors
Some 1964 nickels were made with errors, such as doubled letters, missing details, or off-center designs. These mistakes happened accidentally in the minting process. Because error coins are naturally rare, they can be very valuable to collectors.
Types of 1964 Nickels and Their Approximate Value
| Type of 1964 Nickel | Special Feature | Approx. Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Strike Nickel | No special marks | $0.10 to $2 |
| Full Steps Nickel | Sharp, clear steps | $150 to $6,000+ |
| Proof Nickel | Shiny, mirror-like finish | $5 to $50+ |
| High Grade Nickel (MS67–68) | Almost perfect condition | $500 to $5,000+ |
| Error Nickel | Mint mistakes or doubled designs | $100 to $3,000+ |
How to Check if Your 1964 Nickel Is Valuable
Many people may already have a valuable nickel without knowing it. Here’s how to check your coin:
1. Look at the Steps
Turn the coin over and look at the steps on Monticello. If all steps are sharp and fully visible, your coin may be a Full Steps nickel.
2. Check the Shine
A bright and smooth surface usually means the coin might be a high-grade or proof nickel.
3. Look for Unusual Features
If anything looks odd or different—like doubled letters or a shifted design—it may be an error coin.
1964 Jefferson Nickel: The 1964 Jefferson Nickel may appear simple, but some versions are incredibly rare and valuable. Full Steps nickels, proof coins, high-grade pieces, and mint error nickels are the most sought-after. If you have old coins at home, it is worth checking them closely.
What looks like a normal nickel could actually be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. With the right knowledge, anyone can discover whether they hold a hidden treasure from 1964.
FAQs
Are all 1964 nickels valuable?
No, only coins with rare features like Full Steps, proof finish, mint errors, or high grades are worth big money.
How do I check if my coin is Full Steps?
Check the back of the coin. If all lines on the Monticello steps are sharp and clear, it may be a Full Steps nickel.
Can ordinary people sell valuable nickels?
Yes, anyone can sell rare coins through coin shops, dealers, or collectors near them.